NFL reinstates Saints’ Payton

Wednesday

Payton’s season-long suspension for his role in the Saints’ bounty program was lifted by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday, nearly two weeks earlier than expected.

The decision allows Payton to attend the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday, where some of the top college players available for the NFL draft will be competing.

Payton, along with assistant head coach Joe Vitt, general manager Mickey Loomis, and four players including Jonathan Vilma, was suspended after an investigation found the club had a performance pool offering cash rewards for key plays, including big hits. The player suspensions eventually were overturned after a review.

“I clearly recognize that mistakes were made, which led to league violations,” Payton said in a statement. “Furthermore, I have assured the commissioner a more diligent protocol will be followed.”

The suspension was scheduled to end after the Super Bowl on Feb. 3 but was moved up after Payton and Goodell met on Monday.

“Coach Payton acknowledged in the meeting his responsibility for the actions of his coaching staff and players and pledged to uphold the highest standards of the NFL and ensure that his staff and players do so as well,” Goodell said in a statement. ‘“Sean fully complied with all the requirements imposed on him during his suspension.

“More important, it is clear that Sean understands and accepts his responsibilities as a head coach and the vital role that coaches play in promoting player safety and setting an example for how the game should be played at all levels.”

There remains one outstanding issue for the Saints stemming from the bounty probe: What will become of the Saints’ second pick next spring. As part of the bounty punishment, Goodell fined the Saints $500,000 and took away second-round picks in 2012 and 2013. However, Goodell left open the possibility of restoring the 2013 second-rounder and instead docking the team a later-round pick if he is satisfied with the club’s level of cooperation in the bounty matter.

What the Saints do know is that the 49-year-old Payton is set to return to New Orleans for the next five seasons. Earlier this month he signed a contract extension running through the 2017 season.

Speaking to reporters at Senior Bowl practices, Jones said offensive line coach Bill Callahan could inherit play-calling duties but stopped short of saying a decision had been made.

Garrett kept calling plays after he was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach when Wade Phillips was fired during the 2010 season.

Garrett told The Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram he would welcome a switch and would be comfortable with Callahan in that role.

“I’ve never been a guy where it’s been hell or high water that I’m going to call the plays,” Garrett said. “It gives you the opportunity to step back a little bit and engage in the other two aspects. Obviously, my role as the head coach, if I’m not the play-caller, will be significant.”

NFL wants future of the Pro Bowl decided soon

HONOLULU — The NFL is hoping to decide the fate of the Pro Bowl by the time it releases next season’s schedule in April. And the fate of the league’s all-star game will largely depend on how much effort this year’s participants put into the game.

NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson told reporters of the timing at a news conference Tuesday to kick off this year’s Pro Bowl week in Honolulu. He said the league expects its players to play a game that fans will be proud of.

“Our hope is that the players will give the same effort and energy that allowed them to become roster members of this Pro Bowl,” Anderson said.

Commissioner Roger Goodell nearly canceled the game after uninspiring play last year, but it will be held Sunday after discussions between the league and the player’s union.

Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman, a Pro Bowler for the second year in a row, says the message to players has been clear. He said players need to balance playing hard with avoiding injury, to give fans the game they deserve without hurting their teams.

“We owe it to our fans, we owe it to our viewers, to give them a little more effort than we did last year,” Tillman said.

Anderson said the league has considered less intense substitutions for the game, including skills competitions, seven-on-seven scrimmages or other watered-down events.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The Register-Guard ~ 3500 Chad Drive, Suite 600, Eugene, OR 97408 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service